We have been here multiple times and really enjoy their food and their excellent service. I've never seen OKONOMIYAKI on a menu in a Japanese restaurant. Maybe I missed it but I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen it. They don't always have it so ask your waitress if they do before ordering. It is such a delicious rich and savory dish. It's filled with eggs, green onions, sometimes bacon, flour, cornstarch, corn, Dashie powder, reconstituted, and cabbage all mixed together into a thick batter that becomes a thick pancake. Browned on both sides. It's served with two or three different sauces- cutie mayonnaise, OKONOMIYAKI sauce, a sweet teriyaki thick sauce and topped with Bonita flakes. One pan cake is enough to serve two or three people as an appetizer. It's a treat. $8 Their Agedashi is excellent! I order this at every Japanese restaurant that I go to that has it on the menu. It is one of my very favorites. Here they have nice bite-size squares of firm tofu dipped in cornstarch and deep fried quickly just enough to make them piping hot and super crispy on the outside then served in a Dashie sauce topped with green onions and Bonita flakes. Because the tofu is so hot the Bonita flakes start to wave around and it's always been fascinating to watch this as we enjoy the dish itself. It's also a good dish to take to go because it's easy to reheat at home. $8.25. The crispy and crunchy combo tempura as an appetizer for $10 is also delicious in its simplicity and perfection. The Avo Mango Roll $ 9.95 has avocado, mango, nuts. It's light fruity and savory at the same time and the nuts are macadamia nuts, which add a really nice crunch to it. They have pages and pages of different sushi, sashimi and rolls. Some are simple some are very complex. It really depends on what your taste and what flavors you're looking for. Everything we've tried on several visits there have been fresh and outstanding. Their bento boxes $17-25 ($10 for kids bento) are huge. With miso soup salad rice your protein of choice ( the Katsu pork is outstanding and really holds up well to reheating at home). You also get tempura and a couple of pieces of roll with your bento box. My favorite however for just how beautiful it looks, and how light and delicious it is, is the Futo Maki $11.25 tamago, avocado, cucumber, gobo, shiitake, kampyo, oshinko. When you look at the roll itself, it's beautifully organized inside, very artistically arranged, and appealing to the eye. The first bite into it gives you a little bit of each ingredient and together they make for a very good imaginary trip to Japan. My only complaint about this restaurant is that it is so consistently good whether we eat in or have it delivered by DoorDash that we totally over order and end up with so much food! Lol. We always get a side serving of a large hot saki and a large Sapporo beer to wash it all down with. Add a wakame salad and we are good $5.50. Service is excellent and attentive. The place is very busy, but usually you're able to get a table fairly easily. Our tab is usually about $100 plus tip because we order so much! read more

My son and I stopped by here for lunch, and we both really enjoyed our meals. We started with gyoza appetizer, which was a tasty start. I ordered the Katsu Donburi, and it was delicious. The katsu was flavorful, and the rice was so fluffy and perfectly cooked. My son ordered the Simba Roll and Golden California Roll. The Simba Roll was definitely my favorite, it was so good, full of flavor, and the presentation was very fun. Everything we had was fresh and tasty, and it made for a really nice lunch together. The service was great and fast. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu. read more

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Right off the bat, the rice-to-fish ratio is amazing. The salmon really stood out to me. You can tell it's good quality when it doesn't smell or taste fishy. I'm usually not a fan of raw salmon and tend to get tuna, but this was actually really good. All the fish were soft and "creamy". This was my 3rd-4th time dining here, and I've had a good experience so far. read more

Sushi Daruma - Chef's Dinner Special #2 - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

we are from LA and probably spoiled sushi snobs but this was almost inedible for me. the salad was good. the coconut shrimp tempura was so burnt we had to get a replacement because we could not even taste it. the second batch tasted good so i still had hope. the issue is the sushi is not fresh. it's all very fishy and wet and unappealing. the rice is too hard and you can feel each individual piece. the seaweed was chewy and fishy. the salmon sashimi was in a horrible and overly salty sauce, which was not great with the already fishy yet bland salmon. the scallop wasnt bad. the escolar was very watery and tasteless compared to the ones i have had. $110 later, i would say it was super disappointing if you have ever had good, quality sushi. i think the good reviews are from locals who dont know they can have better. read more

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The sushi is excellent, as good or better than more expensive places in the Peninsula. The Chicken Katsu is tasty too. Highly recommended.

I stood in line at the food court in the mall. I started conversing with a couple of nurses who recommended this establishment as the best in town. Therefore, of course, I had to try it. ***DO NOT USE APPLE MAPS. USE GOOGLE MAPS!! Using Apple Maps resulted in me circling the area TWICE until I used Google Maps.*** FOOD: omg their meals are so reasonably priced especially their omakase. I don't think I've ever met a $30 omakase. The sushi rice was nicely blended. Strange how there wasn't wasabi instantly included in the nigiri. Fake wasabi provided on the side. Yellow ginger. Nice cuts of fish. Tonkatsu very dry. Completely disliked how the sauce was automatically included on top... I wished it was given on the side. Wished there was a lemon slice provided as well. Miso soup was not good at all. Salad dressing was very appetizing. SERVICE: Simple and straightforward. No trouble given. VIBEZ: Typical modern Japanese decor with the added touch of figures. Casual. Great for large groups. Located in downtown Salinas. Parking scattered but free 90 minutes parking (8am to 4pm). Would I come back? Yes! I'm excited to try their other offerings, particularly their rolls. read more

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It was very busy when we went but the person serving us was nice. It's a cute place, a little on the small side, but the decorations are cute. The food was good. I don't see okonomiyaki on many menus so it's great to see that. If only they had onigiri it would be perfect. read more

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I don't understand how this place could average less than 4 stars. It is a great spot! Im from San Diego so I have been spoiled for great sushi spots, and Daruma does not disappoint. The quality of the fish is so good, for a very reasonable price. They have great specials for dinner and lunch. The service is always quick and great every time we go. They are also very accommodating for any preferences. The view of the sushi bar is great too. I think it's a nice hidden gem! read more

Bad flavor of sushi, have gone twice and both times the sushi was not great, a bit pricey. Super nice

Rude service. Look annoy when we walk in. One server acknowledge us finally. Just didnt feel welcome so we left. Been living in the pennisula for a few years and it seems like this type of service is common in most eaterys. Not asking for much maybe a light smile and a hello. read more

Welcoming ambiance along with their service, keeping their customers satisfied. The food always fresh, finely seasoned with fresh vegetables and herbs . Prepared with the thought of providing fresh, tasteful, delicious and healthy dishes. read more

Sushi Daruma is always in rotation for us when opting to dine out. Food is 10/10. Best sushi spot in Salinas. Service is great as well.

Food was okay, flavor was great and the sauce on it tasty. Service was great they checked on me everytime the waitress had a chance and it was amazing. Ambiance of the restaurant was great it was clean and spaces between tables were great for a more intimate conversation without anyone eves dropping. Overall 8/10 for my rating. read more

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Absolutely adore sushi Daruma. Always a hit and you can't go wrong with anything here. The rolls are decent size and priced. Appreciate small businesses like this. For no wait come right when they open because it gets busy quick! Their service is also great. Food comes out quickly and delicious read more

Sushi Daruma - Left to right 49ers roll, mango madness, popcorn lobster, big daddy, then orange is the new black! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

I had such a great experience here! The service was super fast and everyone was really friendly. My food came out quickly, fresh, and honestly the sushi was bomb. Everything tasted so good and the presentation was on point too. Definitely one of my new favorite sushi spots can't wait to come back! read more

Sushi Daruma - The firecracker roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

Food was excellent. I got the hamachi kama and it was grilled to perfection. The sauce that came with it was great. It was a delivery and still arrived warm and was not overly dry or otherwise. Only issue was that there was not any soy sauce for my rolls. The alaska roll and futo maki were both great. The selection here is like no other in the area and i was thoroughly impressed with my meal. Please just read the notes on orders. Thank you read more

Sushi Daruma - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

The staff was very friendly and super nice but it still yet does not top my all-time favorite. The mango could use pre mago lack of flavor but a okay safe roll would recommend to add cream cheese and more sauce on the side. Not the best but far from the worst will come again........ maybe read more

We were in Salinas for the day and we decided to check this new place out. We had tea and it was served in this cute kettle and wooden tea cups. We tried sushi, ramen, and their Bento Box and it was all delicious with large portions and very filling. The presentation was great too. The server was great except that towards the end we weren't checked on a lot and we needed more tea and water and boxes and wanted to order dessert and all that. It was good though. read more

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The broth was so bland and tasted horrible, the noodles were worse they were soggy and the meat was reallyyyy fatty and sweet?, i only took a few bites and I feel sick after eating the ramen. read more

Sushi Daruma - Ramen, rice, fried veggies - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

Sushi daruma used to be my go to but I have had it with the staff they hire. Saturday night was super busy, I had an online order to be ready at 6:55 PM and when I got there at 7:00 pm it was going to be 10 more minutes. I absolutely did not mind because of how much I valued this place and saw how busy they were. Waiting for me in my vehicle was my family including an infant, who was getting very fussy. So as soon as my food was ready at 7:15 PM, I walked towards the door (anxious to leave because of my antsy infant) & there was a couple blocking the door. I kindly said excuse me 3 times and they apologized instantly not noticing they were blocking the way, I told them no worries just had to get to my car. The waitress helping them at the door, who is a thin, older lady with long curly black/brown/white hair and 2 clips in her head felt the absolute need to make unnecessary comments as I was leaving. "Dang get out of her way.... Woah you better move over who knows where she's going... excuse me, excuse me" mimicking me & mumbling more under her breath. I then turned around and kindly told her to think twice before speaking because I have a crying baby in the car and she shouldn't be saying anything. The restaurant was PACKED, people inside and outside heard her and it was so embarrassing. There is a time and a place, there is no need for the lack of professionalism at this establishment that has such a high reputation. I will not be recommending this place to anyone anymore, I cannot explain the lack of respect felt at the moment. The waitresses comments were extremely uncalled for, her ghetto behavior needs to be addressed. read more

Came in the Sunday night of the Light Parade, and ordered the dinner combo with Teriyaki salmon, gyoza and halibut (I believe). Everything was delicious. Considering how quickly the place filled upon opening at 5pm (due to the crowds outside), my meal arrived within a reasonable amount of time, and was complimented nicely by the miso soup & side salad. Would definitely come back to try the actual sushi next time. Inside is cute and cozy; make sure you arrive early or call in your order ahead of time, as it fills up quickly. read more

Sushi Daruma - Miso soup & Coke - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

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First time stopping by Sushi Daruma! * Spicy Edamame was extremely tasty! Would return for that alone! * Shrimp Tempura was wasn't anything special. * The sushi was tasty but not anything notable either. * The service was okay as well. The staff was friendly but slowed down towards the end of our visit. They were extremely fast to get the food out though! The ambiance was nice and clean. read more

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We went there on a Monday and it was busy so I understand the wait. 15 minutes later a server started taking our order. Because we were hungry I told her I was ready to order. She said "Drinks first!". I sighed and she said "You're getting ahead of me," in a very unfriendly voice. I was frustrated with her attitude so I asked her name. She said annoyingly, "Michelle, what's your name?" I did not reply but I am getting heated. She asked if I wanted another server. I said sure. She want back after a few mins and gave me a piece of paper with her name and said "in case you want to know how I spell it." I was so appalled with the audacity! I was with my daughter so I didn't want to argue or make a scene so I did not say anything. I got up while she was in the cash register near the bar and gave her back her paper and told her "you are so rude." She said the "You are so rude!" I went back to my table and the patrons next to me were sympathizing with me. The server walks by and said "I can ask you to leave im.. " I couldn't hear the rest. I did not reply and she left. The other server came by and took our order and apologized on her behalf. She was way nicer. I asked if the rude girl is the manager, she said no and apologized again. As I was writing this review the rude server keeps walking by and making comments. She was reading what I am doing with my phone and said "A long ass one huh"! referring to this review. At this point I chuckled because I could not believe how ridiculous the server is. She kept trying to taunt me by going back to my table despite me not responding! I have not been treated this way anywhere in the world. She should not be in the service industry Her name is MICHIELE. My daughter and I travel and eat out a lot and we talked about how we have never experienced anyone like her! "Mom, she is so rude! I couldn't believe it." Definitely telling friends not to come here. Of course no review on food bec I have lost my appetite. *UPDATE* I talked to the owner Dennis. He was very nice and appreciative of being informed. Said he will talk to the rude server and he has talked to his team. I declined the comped meal; told him she needs to be reprimanded for her arrogance or she needs customer service training before she can interact with HIS clients. I emphasized he will lose revenue because of her. I made sure he knows Stephanie the other server deserved the tip I gave her because she gave us really good service! Thanks, Dennis! read more

Sushi Daruma - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

Delicious and affordable sushi. Tempts is also good. Parking is available in front of restaurant but not so many. read more

Great Sushi and rolls. Love coming here when I visit Salinas service was good and the place was clean.

Great Service! Good food! Reasonable prices! Fun vibe! Friendly customers. All good We will come back for sure.

It's our first time and we wanted to try this coz we keep on going to other Japanese restaurants. The place is clean and quiet (which I like, don't like too much noise when I'm dining), Stephanie our server (I don't know if I spelled her name right) was awesome! She's very sweet and attentive, keep checking if we need anything else or if everything is okay. The foods were good! all in all, a pleasurable experience for a first time. We will come back again for sure. Thanks Stephanie for such a wonderful service! You're awesome! read more

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The food is excellent! They are good service.. A menu has a few little pricey. They are friendly and they ask if I need anything.

The food was great and the staff were friendly. We tried different rolls that were fresh and delicious.

Our experience is always amazing here because of Sarah!! She always treats us well and has great energy :)

10 out of 10 five stars doesn't cut it. This place was amazing. We were seated right away friendly staff. The waitress was adorable. Very clean restaurant. The food was amazing. We are definitely gonna make this one of our go to places for date night. read more

Sushi Daruma - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

I love the food at this place but I placed a door dash in advance for delivery as soon as they opened. From the time they opened it took 2 hours to get to my house when it was projected to take 40 minutes. I have no idea why this is acceptable if it's DoorDash or their fault but this pissed me off. I won't be ordering again read more

I always drive by this restaurant and every time I tell my family "we're going to try that place next time" we'll finally it was our time! We went and was not disappointed. Customer service was amazing, 10/10. The restaurant is so clean and well taken care of. The food was absolutely delicious. They didn't overwhelm the sushi rolls with rice (like some sushi places in town) and the rolls were creative and delicious. Everything on the menu is priced very fair. We bought an appetizer, 4 rolls, a beer and a kids meal for $70! A steal! This restaurant has officially become our new sushi spot. read more

Best sushi in Salinas. Been here a handful of times and I have yet to be disappointed. Staff is very welcoming and attentive as well. 10/10 I would recommend read more

I get there 20 minutes before closing for dine in on a Friday night and got turned away saying that they don't accept anyone before 20 minutes and the host showed me the sign. Okay so the next day, I show up 35 minutes before closing (had to do everything I can to leave early from work), and same response "We don't seat people 20 minutes before closing". I show him my phone saying that we are 35 minutes before closing, host/server makes this one excuse saying "We are too slow to dine in people, we can only do to go". What the heck, I still get turned away! I want to experience the ambience and drink a nice sake, not take something to go. So yeah, you lost a potential customer because of your rude lazy workers. read more

Not sure why but a few tines we have ordered sushi here and it's been more of a disappointment. The rolls come out somewhat soft and soggy. Tonight, i did a phone order for a Salmon Roll, Yam Tempura Roll and Rock N Roll Roll. I had to repeat my order slow and even had to spell Roll to make sure the lady got it right. When Hubby and i picked it up, we realized we were misbilled and had an extra item of Itachi Roll that we did not order. The total initially came out to $40.64 (the extra item that was wrongfully included in our bill was $15.50, an Itachi Roll). i had to point it out that we only ordered 3 items. The first lady staff who tried to help me told the guy behind the sushi counter the issue and she tried to come back to me and said that unfortunately, the manager wasn't there. It was a blessing that the lady, Mina, who took the phone order came out from the kitchen and she was told about the issue, that i ordered 3 items, not 4. She was able to help me by voiding the first transaction. Good thing she came out because i think it is ridiculous to have a busy restaurant like that and not have a manager or staff who can void or correct a transaction. Definitely an inconvenience.. read more

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The ramen here is absolutely delicious. The broth is so rich and comforting, and the noodles are always cooked perfectly. It is the perfect dish when I want something warm and satisfying. read more

Sushi Daruma - Sushi Bars Near Me - Salinas, California

My husband and I ate here today for the first time. I enjoyed my chicken katsu. My husband's beef teriyaki was so tough he compared to the texture of undercooked jerky. I asked him to complain about it to the server, but he did not. I guess we won't be returning here again. Our server was rather inattentive to us and we had to wait awhile to receive our check and box for my leftovers. read more

The food quality is good enough to enjoy, but there's definitely room for improvement. Nothing stood out in both taste and presentation. The location is a plus -- easy to get to and in a nice area. Service was just okay -- nothing bad, but nothing that stood out either. Overall, it's a decent spot, but a few upgrades could really take it to the next level. read more

This is our go-to place for sushi in salinas! Food is always on point and their service is fantastic.